County

Isiolo

Location: Located in the upper Eastern region of Kenya

Population: 143,294

Governor Candidates: 4

Senator Candidates: 1

Women Reps: 3

County Reps: 0

LOCATION

Location: Located in the upper Eastern region of Kenya. lt borders seven counties with Garissa to the East, Wajir to the North East, Meru to the South West, Samburu to the East and Marsabit to the North West, with Kitui and Tana River counties to the South West and South East respectively.

Area (Km 2): 25,336.1 Km 2

Climate/Weather: Temperatures range from minimum of between 12 degrees C to a maximum of - 28 degrees C. Rainfall ranges from 150mm to 650 mm per annum typical of ASALs in Kenya.

Isiolo sits right in the middle of Kenya in both a geographical and economic sense. Touted as Mwisho wa Lami (End of the Tarmac) in the past, the town is the new focus of sustained efforts to open up northern Kenya for development.

Not only will the transport corridor linking Sudan and Ethiopia pass through this county, it is also being earmarked for a major resort city development in the mould of Sharm al Sheikh in Egypt, Sun City in South Africa or Orlando in the United States.

This will come with a new international airport and extensive infrastructural developments. Isiolo sits in the middle of an expansive tourist circuit that stretches from the Mount Kenya National Reserve in the south to the Samburu Game Reserve in the north.

The private ranches in Laikipia and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are also around Isiolo.

Recently acquired the status “Resort City” and has a potential of growing economically as a result

Popular tourist destination (Buffalo Springs & Lewa Downs)

Majorly are involved in pastoralism

Ewaso Nyiro River in Isiolo County set to enhance food production in North Eastern region

Challenges

The county has a history of ethnic clashes

Has one of the highest average household size of 6.1 people per household

Social and cultural practices prevent the children from attaining education and all-round awareness